With Covid-19 and dengue infections on the rise, the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has issued emergency health directives ahead of this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations, set to begin on 26 June.

The guidelines, signed by Dhaka Education Board Chairman Professor Khandoker Ehsanul Kabir, call for strict health and safety measures at all exam centres.

Masks will be mandatory for all candidates and exam officials at entry points, while hand sanitisers must be provided at entrances. Centres have also been instructed to maintain cleanliness in and around premises to minimise the risk of dengue transmission.

Additionally, mosquito repellents must be sprayed in coordination with local authorities before each exam. Seating arrangements are to follow distancing protocols as prescribed by the board.

Medical teams, in collaboration with civil surgeons or upazila health officers, will remain on standby at every exam venue.

The directive also urged public awareness to prevent large gatherings of guardians near exam centres.

The written exams will continue till 10 August, with practical exams scheduled from 11 to 21 August.